January 6, 2012 2:54 PM

Southeast corner of Broadway and Third Street. In 1960s Iowa, the Pep Boys were unknown. Hence, giant statues of the trio were too much to pass up.

Southeast corner of Broadway and Third Street. In 1960s Iowa, the Pep Boys were unknown. Hence, giant statues of the trio were too much to pass up.

Photo: Kolarik

Southeast corner of Broadway and Third Street. In 1960s Iowa, the... Photo-2002240.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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Manny, Moe and Jack have left downtown, but the road-weary still can find lodging at the Travelers Hotel (right side of picture).

Manny, Moe and Jack have left downtown, but the road-weary still can find lodging at the Travelers Hotel (right side of picture).

Photo: Kolarik

Manny, Moe and Jack have left downtown, but the road-weary still... Photo-2002243.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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East side of Broadway, south of Travis Street. My father took this because the Pearl truck happened to be in front of the bar. Also, he informed me that was the place cock-and-bull stories came from.

East side of Broadway, south of Travis Street. My father took this because the Pearl truck happened to be in front of the bar. Also, he informed me that was the place cock-and-bull stories came from.

Photo: Kolarik

East side of Broadway, south of Travis Street. My father took this... Photo-2002236.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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The Cock ‘n Bull is gone and – not surprisingly – so is the beer truck. Also, what was the Three Americas Building in the 1960s (and later the Atlee B. Ayers Building) is now San Antonio’s World Trade Center. less

The Cock ‘n Bull is gone and – not surprisingly – so is the beer truck. Also, what was the Three Americas Building in the 1960s (and later the Atlee B. Ayers Building) is now San Antonio’s World Trade ... more

Photo: Kolarik

The Cock ‘n Bull is gone and – not surprisingly – so is the... Photo-2002241.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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Northwest corner of Alamo and Houston streets: My father wanted the picture of Sommers Drugs because he’d hung around there during World War II. It apparently had a good supply of then-hard-to-get Coca-Cola.

Northwest corner of Alamo and Houston streets: My father wanted the picture of Sommers Drugs because he’d hung around there during World War II. It apparently had a good supply of then-hard-to-get Coca-Cola.

The Gibbs Building now houses a Hotel Indigo and the space once occupied by the drugstore now is the 1909 Bar/Bistro, which offers a far wider selection of refreshments than just Coke.

The Gibbs Building now houses a Hotel Indigo and the space once occupied by the drugstore now is the 1909 Bar/Bistro, which offers a far wider selection of refreshments than just Coke.

Photo: Kolarik

The Gibbs Building now houses a Hotel Indigo and the space once... Photo-2002238.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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West side of St. Mary’s Street, south of Pecan Street. No boy could resist having his picture taken under a large sign reading BURLESQUE, and there is a 10- or 11-year-old version of me in front of the Green Gate Club. less

West side of St. Mary’s Street, south of Pecan Street. No boy could resist having his picture taken under a large sign reading BURLESQUE, and there is a 10- or 11-year-old version of me in front of the Green ... more

Photo: Kolarik

West side of St. Mary’s Street, south of Pecan Street. No boy... Photo-2002228.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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Records indicate that the Green Gate’s owners gave up the gentlemen’s club business by the 1970s. Over the years, the 1960s false front on the building has been – pardon the pun – stripped away. It’s now vacant. less

Records indicate that the Green Gate’s owners gave up the gentlemen’s club business by the 1970s. Over the years, the 1960s false front on the building has been – pardon the pun – stripped away. It’s ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Records indicate that the Green Gate’s owners gave up the... Photo-2002235.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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Houston Street, looking east from the bridge. To the left is the Texas Theater, and just beyond that is the Gunter Office Building. To the right is the Capri store.

Houston Street, looking east from the bridge. To the left is the Texas Theater, and just beyond that is the Gunter Office Building. To the right is the Capri store.

Photo: Kolarik

Houston Street, looking east from the bridge. To the left is the... Photo-2002214.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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Most of the theater building and all of the Gunter Office Building were razed in the early 1980s. The Texas facade, however, was retained and now is part of the IBC Centre.

Most of the theater building and all of the Gunter Office Building were razed in the early 1980s. The Texas facade, however, was retained and now is part of the IBC Centre.

Photo: Kolarik

Most of the theater building and all of the Gunter Office Building... Photo-2002230.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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West side of St. Mary’s Street, near the intersection with College Street. This was taken on my 10th birthday in 1965. After lunch at the Coney Island, my parents and I went across the street to the Empire Theater to see “Goldfinger.” less

West side of St. Mary’s Street, near the intersection with College Street. This was taken on my 10th birthday in 1965. After lunch at the Coney Island, my parents and I went across the street to the Empire ... more

Photo: Kolarik

West side of St. Mary’s Street, near the intersection with... Photo-2002212.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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When I moved to San Antonio in 1982, the Coney Island was still in operation. Eventually, it was razed to make way for a Holiday Inn.

When I moved to San Antonio in 1982, the Coney Island was still in operation. Eventually, it was razed to make way for a Holiday Inn.

Photo: Kolarik

When I moved to San Antonio in 1982, the Coney Island was still in... Photo-2002374.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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Northeast corner of Soledad and Commerce streets. To the left is the old San Antonio Savings Association building and to the right is the Berns department store. A guy sold newspapers outside Berns, and my parents always bought the San Antonio Light from him. less

Northeast corner of Soledad and Commerce streets. To the left is the old San Antonio Savings Association building and to the right is the Berns department store. A guy sold newspapers outside Berns, and my ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Northeast corner of Soledad and Commerce streets. To the left is... Photo-2002251.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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SASA and Berns both are gone, and high-rise buildings have sprung up to the East. Also, Soledad Street has been closed on the east side of Main Plaza, the site from where this picture was taken.

SASA and Berns both are gone, and high-rise buildings have sprung up to the East. Also, Soledad Street has been closed on the east side of Main Plaza, the site from where this picture was taken.

Photo: Kolarik

SASA and Berns both are gone, and high-rise buildings have sprung... Photo-2002245.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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East side of Soledad Street, across from Main Plaza. We frequently dined at Toler’s, largely because of its inexpensive menu. My parents took to calling the place “Sidney’s,” after Sidney Toler, who was one of the actors who played Charlie Chan. less

East side of Soledad Street, across from Main Plaza. We frequently dined at Toler’s, largely because of its inexpensive menu. My parents took to calling the place “Sidney’s,” after Sidney Toler, who was ... more

Photo: Kolarik

East side of Soledad Street, across from Main Plaza. We frequently... Photo-2002247.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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The building that housed Toler’s and the surrounding structures have been replaced by an entryway to the River Walk.

The building that housed Toler’s and the surrounding structures have been replaced by an entryway to the River Walk.

Photo: Kolarik

The building that housed Toler’s and the surrounding structures... Photo-2002254.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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Southwest corner of Dolorosa and Flores streets. The building in the center of the photo used to house the Cactus Hotel on the second floor. It was a place my father had stayed while on weekend passes during the war, mainly because it was cheap. less

Southwest corner of Dolorosa and Flores streets. The building in the center of the photo used to house the Cactus Hotel on the second floor. It was a place my father had stayed while on weekend passes during ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Southwest corner of Dolorosa and Flores streets. The building in... Photo-2002265.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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One highly visible change in downtown San Antonio is the much larger role that trees now play in the cityscape. In 2011, limbs block the view of the old Cactus Hotel site.

One highly visible change in downtown San Antonio is the much larger role that trees now play in the cityscape. In 2011, limbs block the view of the old Cactus Hotel site.

Photo: Kolarik

One highly visible change in downtown San Antonio is the much... Photo-2002249.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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Houston Street, looking east from Flores Street. We’d seen the young woman on the motorbike — a rather unusual sight in the mid-‘60s — several times before taking this picture. In much sharper focus than the biker is the Stowers Furniture building to the left. less

Houston Street, looking east from Flores Street. We’d seen the young woman on the motorbike — a rather unusual sight in the mid-‘60s — several times before taking this picture. In much sharper focus ... more

The buildings on the right side of Houston Street have been replaced by the Frost National Bank Building. On the opposite side of the street, Stowers has been replaced by a green space.

The buildings on the right side of Houston Street have been replaced by the Frost National Bank Building. On the opposite side of the street, Stowers has been replaced by a green space.

Photo: Kolarik

The buildings on the right side of Houston Street have been... Photo-2002267.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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Houston Street, looking west from Flores Street. The area was a heavily commercialized district that featured Sugarman’s Uniforms in the foreground at right.

Houston Street, looking west from Flores Street. The area was a heavily commercialized district that featured Sugarman’s Uniforms in the foreground at right.

Photo: Kolarik

Houston Street, looking west from Flores Street. The area was a... Photo-2002278.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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Buildings on both sides of Houston Street have been replaced by parking lots fronted by trees. The lot on the right side of the street also contains a drive-in bank.

Buildings on both sides of Houston Street have been replaced by parking lots fronted by trees. The lot on the right side of the street also contains a drive-in bank.

Photo: Kolarik

Buildings on both sides of Houston Street have been replaced by... Photo-2002264.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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South Side of Houston Street between Flores and Cameron streets. Jimmy’s was a combination shoeshine parlor and pool hall that sold 16-ounce bottles of RC Cola and Big Red for 15 cents.

South Side of Houston Street between Flores and Cameron streets. Jimmy’s was a combination shoeshine parlor and pool hall that sold 16-ounce bottles of RC Cola and Big Red for 15 cents.

Photo: Kolarik

South Side of Houston Street between Flores and Cameron streets.... Photo-2002270.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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The building that housed Jimmy’s was razed to make way for a parking lot after I moved here in ’82. I intended to snag the 7UP sign (the part that said “Jimmy’s” had been painted over), but someone beat me to it. less

The building that housed Jimmy’s was razed to make way for a parking lot after I moved here in ’82. I intended to snag the 7UP sign (the part that said “Jimmy’s” had been painted over), but someone ... more

Photo: Kolarik

The building that housed Jimmy’s was razed to make way for a... Photo-2002281.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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Produce Row, looking west from Santa Rosa Street. We were interested in the building next to the one sporting the Gonzalez campaign sign. It housed the Guadalupana Drugstore, which sold 12-ounce bottles of Coca-Cola for a dime and had the world’s most powerful fan in lieu of air conditioning. less

Produce Row, looking west from Santa Rosa Street. We were interested in the building next to the one sporting the Gonzalez campaign sign. It housed the Guadalupana Drugstore, which sold 12-ounce bottles of ... more

Once a neighborhood shopping district for San Antonians, Market Square has evolved into a popular tourist destination. The buildings to the left have been reconditioned and the Museo Alameda has been added at right. less

Once a neighborhood shopping district for San Antonians, Market Square has evolved into a popular tourist destination. The buildings to the left have been reconditioned and the Museo Alameda has been added at ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Once a neighborhood shopping district for San Antonians, Market... Photo-2002276.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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South Side of Houston Street, west of San Saba Street. I was never sure why my father wanted a picture of the Angelus Funeral Home, aside from the fact it was just down the street from Santa Rosa Hospital and he liked the juxtaposition. less

South Side of Houston Street, west of San Saba Street. I was never sure why my father wanted a picture of the Angelus Funeral Home, aside from the fact it was just down the street from Santa Rosa Hospital and ... more

Photo: Kolarik

South Side of Houston Street, west of San Saba Street. I was never... Photo-2002282.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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A Wells Fargo bank now occupies the funeral home’s old site.

A Wells Fargo bank now occupies the funeral home’s old site.

Photo: Kolarik

A Wells Fargo bank now occupies the funeral home’s old site. Photo-2002288.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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Commerce and Flores streets, looking north. Residents of the 1960s could use the services of the modernistic Frost National Bank or cross Flores Street and shop at the traditionalist Kress store.

Commerce and Flores streets, looking north. Residents of the 1960s could use the services of the modernistic Frost National Bank or cross Flores Street and shop at the traditionalist Kress store.

Kress is long gone, as is the Melrose store that occupied the space for several years. Frost is still on the corner, but the main banking center is a block north on Houston Street.

Kress is long gone, as is the Melrose store that occupied the space for several years. Frost is still on the corner, but the main banking center is a block north on Houston Street.

Photo: Kolarik

Kress is long gone, as is the Melrose store that occupied the space... Photo-2002295.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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North side of Commerce Street between the San Antonio River and St. Mary’s Street. This was taken in either 1966 or ’67, as the eating establishment named La Ramada was called the Buffalo Cafe in 1965. To the far left is the glass-and-steel San Antonio Savings Association building. less

North side of Commerce Street between the San Antonio River and St. Mary’s Street. This was taken in either 1966 or ’67, as the eating establishment named La Ramada was called the Buffalo Cafe in 1965. To ... more

Photo: Kolarik

North side of Commerce Street between the San Antonio River and St.... Photo-2054942.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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By whatever name, the cafe is long gone, and the site now houses a convenience store. SAHA, too, has disappeared and that site now is occupied by an office building.

By whatever name, the cafe is long gone, and the site now houses a convenience store. SAHA, too, has disappeared and that site now is occupied by an office building.

Photo: Kolarik

By whatever name, the cafe is long gone, and the site now houses a... Photo-2002294.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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Commerce Street, looking south toward the site of HemisFair ’68. This was taken in 1967. The dark area in the top of the photo is the overhanging awning on the old Joske’s store. The tall column is what the Tower of the Americas looked like without its top. less

Commerce Street, looking south toward the site of HemisFair ’68. This was taken in 1967. The dark area in the top of the photo is the overhanging awning on the old Joske’s store. The tall column is what the ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Commerce Street, looking south toward the site of HemisFair ’68.... Photo-2002297.34227 - San Antonio Express-News

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The overhang of the old Joske’s building is still there but virtually everything else looks different. The complex that’s now the Convention Center is no longer visible from Commerce Street, but at least the tower has a much more finished appearance. less

The overhang of the old Joske’s building is still there but virtually everything else looks different. The complex that’s now the Convention Center is no longer visible from Commerce Street, but at least ... more

Photo: Kolarik

The overhang of the old Joske’s building is still there but... Photo-2002298.34227 - San Antonio Express-News